Ben Affleck is a famous actor, director, writer, and producer. You may have heard of him from movies such as Good Will Hunting, Batman, Gone Girl or Pearl Harbour. However, just because he is a famous and successful man, doesn’t mean he is immune to difficulties in life. 

 

Affleck is happy to open up about being a recovering alcoholic, and about his time in alcohol rehab. He relates this to his other roles he takes in life, including being a father to his children and an ex-husband. 

 

“I mean, some people are sort of uncomfortable, but it doesn’t really bother me to talk about alcoholism,” the 46-year-old told a reporter from USA’s Today News. “Being an alcoholic is part of my life; it’s something I deal with.”

 

In 2017, Affleck completed a rehab treatment programme for his alcohol addiction. He claims he wanted to live life to fullest whilst sober, and be the best father he can be to his kids. He posted on Facebook revealing “I want my kids to know there is no shame in getting help when you need it, and to be a source of strength for anyone out there who needs help but is afraid to take the first step”.

 

In the summer of 2018, Affleck dealt with his alcohol misuse issues again by completing a 40 day treatment in a rehabilitation clinic. He explains that being an alcoholic doesn’t have to be his whole identity, but it is something you need to recognise and work at.

 

He explains that you should be able to take pride in being able to address your problems, and you should be doing so not just for your own sake, but for those closest to you too. It’s all about yourself, how you want to live your life, and how it’s affecting your family’s life.

 

The star admitted he had been drinking for days on end, skipping showers, and not looking after himself before heading to a rehab in Malibu. 

 

This was him returning to rehab after a previous two stints, first back in 2001, and also in 2017. He has constantly been working on himself, but was struggling. 

 

For Ben, family also includes his ex-wife Jennifer Garner. Jennifer was the one Ben reached out to before he went into rehab, and in fact, she was the one who drove him to the place that would change his life for the better. 

 

It isn’t a shock to see Garner helping Ben deal with his issues. The couple still remain very close, as she is the mother to his three children who they have both raised post-divorce. 

 

image: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)